Serendip is an independent site partnering with faculty at multiple colleges and universities around the world. Happy exploring!

Artist Profile: Shelley Thorstensen

The Brain Constructing the World
A collaboration between Serendip and Painted Bride Art Center,
associated with the Synesthesia exhibit, April 3rd - May 16th 2009

 

Shelley Thorstensen



 

click to enlarge

 

Artist's statement

Our eyes are tactile organs. We trace form, the feel of what we see. Seeing and remembering are a practice. Integration requires paying attention, listening to each avenue of interpretation of what is remembered and what is not. On one’s knees, metaphorically or otherwise, is a most likely posture. It all gets tall that way, like a cathedral is tall.

Etching is a visual palindrome between maker and made. Pulling a print, I come face to face with myself working on the plate. The paper is only the thinnest veil between then and now. I feel like a scribe; like the one behind the Etch-a-Sketch glass, viewer and viewed simultaneously--except my work contains infinite possibilities for the uninterrupted curve.

I see my work as a direct expression of consciousness, as in a feedback loop where the bilateral symmetry of the plate to print directly reflects my body, my imprint. I see it as a method to look at myself in a mirror, a psychological means to literally face myself while making work.

 

Web links

Shelley Thorstensen gallery

 

Back to exhibit home page

 

Comments

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.
6 + 10 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.